Bridge replacement work at Colchester Hospital

Work to replace the narrow blue footbridge at the front of Colchester Hospital is due to begin on Monday, 4 February.

It is part of the wider, multi-million plan to transform and extend the main entrance of the hospital.

David Cohen, capital project manager at Colchester Hospital, said:

“The existing bridge is cramped and does not provide enough room for patients and visitors to access the building, so it is in need of a major overhaul.

“While the work is taking place, patients and visitors will be diverted along the pathway around the lake towards the Emergency Department, which does mean a slightly longer walk to get into the hospital, so we thank everyone in advance for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience the work may cause.”

As part of this phase of the redevelopment, the north side of the lake will also be drained and towards the end of the project will be re-planted as a wet land to encourage wildlife to thrive and the remaining pond areas will be improved with waterside planting and landscaping.

For the next two weeks hoarding will be set up around the north end of the lake and bridge to make sure the construction site is safe. It will then remain in situ, with some minor adjustments at each stage, throughout the redevelopment.

Patients and visitors will notice large notice boards being put up around the front of the hospital site sometime next week. These will be updated regularly with relevant information and the hoarding will also feature signage and images of the scheme.